Objective: We tested the hypothesis that a 6-week course of a nasal glucoco
rticoid spray would decrease the severity of obstructive sleep apnea in chi
ldren with adenotonsillar hypertrophy.
Study design: We conducted a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled,
parallel-group trial of nasal fluticasone propionate versus placebo in 25 c
hildren aged 1 to 10 years with obstructive sleep apnea proven on polysomno
graphy. The primary outcome was the change from baseline in the frequency o
f mixed and obstructive apneas and hypopneas.
Results: Thirteen children received fluticasone, and 12 received placebo. T
he mixed/obstructive apnea/hypopnea index decreased from 10.7 +/- 2.6 (SE)
to 5.8 +/- 2.2 in the fluticasone group but increased from 10.9 +/- 2.3 to
13.1 +/- 3.6 in the placebo group, P = .04. The mixed/obstructive apnea/hyp
opnea index decreased in 12 of 13 subjects treated with fluticasone versus
6 of 12 treated with placebo, P = .03. The frequencies of hemoglobin desatu
ration and respiratory movement/arousals also decreased more in the flutica
sone group. Changes from baseline in tonsillar size, adenoidal size, and sy
mptom score were not significantly different between groups.
Conclusion: Nasal fluticasone decreased the frequency of mixed and obstruct
ive e apneas and hypopneas, suggesting that topical corticosteroids may be
helpful in ameliorating pediatric obstructive sleep apnea.